Turnbuckle device

ABSTRACT

A turnbuckle device ( 10 ) for clamping concrete shell elements ( 35, 36 ) comprises stationary claws ( 14, 15 ) and pivotable claws ( 24, 25 ) which can be clamped with the stationary claws ( 14, 15 ) via a wedge ( 28 ) on two neighboring concrete shell elements ( 35, 36 ) in that the claws ( 14, 15, 24, 25 ) engage in profilings on the frame of the concrete shell elements ( 35, 36 ). The stationary claws ( 14, 15 ) have archings ( 18 ) which engage behind transverse struts ( 34 ) or longitudinal struts ( 33 ) of a concrete shell element ( 36 ). The turnbuckle device ( 10 ) is displaceably held on the concrete shell element ( 36 ) via the archings ( 18 ). If the claws ( 14, 15, 24, 25 ) are within the concrete shell element ( 36 ), the turnbuckle device ( 10 ) can be displaced on the concrete shell element ( 36 ) in a longitudinal direction of the transverse strut ( 34  ) only that far that the turnbuckle device ( 10 ) does not project over an outer edge ( 39 ) of the concrete shell element ( 36 ). The archings ( 18 ) and the position of the claws ( 14, 15, 24, 25 ) ensure that the turnbuckle device ( 10 ) is also safely fixed on the concrete shell element ( 36 ) if it is removed. The wedge ( 28 ) is a clamping means for the turnbuckle device ( 10 ) and also an opening and closing means for the pivotable claws ( 24, 25 ).

The invention concerns a turnbuckle device for mutually clamping twoconcrete shell elements comprising a frame with longitudinal struts andtransverse struts, across a joint covered by the turnbuckle deviceformed with claws, wherein the turnbuckle device comprises one or moreretaining means for retention on longitudinal or transverse struts of aconcrete shell element, by which the turnbuckle device can be mounted onthe concrete shell element in a way it cannot fall off self-actingly,preferably also in a position in which the turnbuckle device ispositioned within an outer edge of the concrete shell element, andwherein at least one arresting means is provided, wherein the turnbuckledevice can be brought into a tensioning position on the concrete shellelement when the arresting means is released or removed.

BACKGROUND

Turnbuckle devices of this type are known e.g. from the document U.S.Pat. No. 3,550,898.

The turnbuckle device disclosed in DE 35 46 832 C2 for mutually clampingtwo concrete shell elements comprising a frame and a shell cover mountedthereto, along a joint covered by the turnbuckle device, has twoprincipally “L”-shaped claws which are disposed next to each other. Onekind of the legs of the claws engage behind one abutment surface each ofeach shell element. The other kind of legs of the claws extend next toeach other on the surface of the frame legs facing away from the shellcover. A clamping means engages on these legs. The surfaces of thelongitudinal struts facing away from the shell cover abut on said leg ofsaid claw. The other claw is pivotable about an imaginary axis whichextends parallel to the joint between the two shell elements to beclamped with respect to each other, and to the shell plane and can bedisplaced with respect to the one claw at a right angle to the shellplane.

DE29 08 339 C2 discloses a wedging for shell panels for concrete walls,wherein the wedge slide has a substantially U-shaped cross-sectioncomprising legs with inwardly protruding projections which form, withthe laterally projecting parts on the transverse strut, a wedging. Thetransverse strut is lower by the thickness of the yoke part of the wedgeslide than the longitudinal struts. A support is provided in the regionof the connecting rod on the transverse strut whose height correspondsto this size such that the wedge slide can be retained in the positionin which it does not project over the area of the frame.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,550,989 discloses a turnbuckle device for mutuallyclamping two concrete shell elements which comprise a frame withtransverse struts. The turnbuckle device comprises a first and a secondlock part, wherein the first lock part can be axially displaced relativeto the second lock part. The two lock parts can be pivoted in totalabout a bolt. The claw of the first lock part is retained on a firstconcrete shell element via a bolt, whereas the claw of the second lockpart can engage a bolt of a second concrete shell element. For arrestingthe turnbuckle device, an arresting means is provided which can limitthe pivoting range of the entire turnbuckle device when the claw of thesecond lock part abuts the bolt of the second concrete shell element.The arresting means permits mutual clamping of the lock parts.

It is the underlying purpose of the invention to produce a turnbuckledevice which on the one hand can be mounted to any point of thetransverse struts and/or longitudinal struts of a concrete shell elementand on the other hand can remain at the mounted point for removing aconcrete shell element and, in use, can compensate for a leveldifference between two concrete shell elements.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This object is achieved in accordance with the invention in that theturnbuckle device comprises a second lock part which can be pivotedrelative to the first lock part, wherein the first lock part comprises astationary first claw and the second lock part comprises a second claw,with both claws being adjusted to be suitable for direct engagement onthe frame, wherein the arresting means limits the pivoting range of thesecond lock part such that the second claw prevents release of theturnbuckle device from the concrete shell element and optionally limitsor prevents movability of the turnbuckle device on the frame section.

The inventive turnbuckle device permits on the one hand to mutuallyclamp concrete shell elements in a conventional fashion, and, on theother hand, the turnbuckle device can be left on one of the concreteshell elements when the concrete shell elements are to be moved at abuilding site. Towards this end, the inventive device is moved andpositionally fixed in a region in which it no longer protrudes over theedge of a concrete shell element. No additional means are required todisplace and fix the inventive turnbuckle device. Merely the clampingconnection known to the skilled worker must be released withconventional means. When the clamping connection is released, part ofthe inventive turnbuckle device can be pivoted and be displaced until itis located within a concrete shell element. In this position, thepivotable part of the inventive turnbuckle device can be pivoted backinto a closed position in which a stationary part of the inventiveturnbuckle device is oriented corresponding to the pivotable part alonga transverse or longitudinal strut. The pivotable part can be blocked bythe clamping means, e.g. a wedge. Retaining means retain the stationarypart of the inventive turnbuckle device at the concrete shell element toexclude accidental drop or detachment of the inventive turnbuckle devicewhen moving a concrete shell element, e.g. with a crane.

The inventive turnbuckle device allows the construction of large shellsurfaces in less time and in a simpler way. When the inventiveturnbuckle device is unlocked and mounted to the concrete shell elementvia retaining means, it can be displaced with one hand in a controlledfashion without being removed from the concrete shell element, and theclamping means can be activated or released with the other hand, ifrequired. The skilled worker does not have to hold the weight of theinventive turnbuckle device since it is guided and displaceablysupported on the transverse or longitudinal strut. This facilitates thehandling of the inventive turnbuckle device and the effort required foralignment, release or clamping of the turnbuckle device.

Recesses can be provided along the longitudinal or transverse struts ofthe concrete shell elements behind which the one or more retaining meanscan engage, wherein the recesses are formed in the surface and/or theside faces of the longitudinal and/or transverse struts.

This is advantageous in that the inventive turnbuckle device can bedisplaceably mounted on the concrete shell element with simple meansthat cannot fall off self-actingly. The recesses can extend over theentire length of the frame legs or the transverse struts. This designpermits displacement of the inventive turnbuckle devices within a wideregion on the concrete shell element without a need for dispensing witha secure holding of the turnbuckle device on the concrete shell element.The turnbuckle device can be safely mounted with retaining means, suchas archings or bolts on the concrete shell element via openings orsimple profilings or grooves on the longitudinal or transverse struts.

In an advantageous fashion, the turnbuckle device can be removed fromthe concrete shell element when the arresting means is released orremoved.

A particular holder with the most simple means which safely holds andguides the inventive turnbuckle device is provided when the retainingmeans are archings which protrude locally from the inner surface of thestationary claws and engage in lateral recesses of the longitudinal ortransverse strut. Such archings can be produced without additionalmaterial by pressing out of the claw material, or bolt-like projectionsare mounted at appropriate points on the inner surfaces of the claws. Ifthe opposite archings, bolts, etc. are mutually offset, a separation,i.e. a free length between the archings can be produced via pivoting ofthe inventive turnbuckle device in the released state, said free lengthin the pivoted state of the turnbuckle device being larger, with respectto a transverse strut or longitudinal strut, than the width of alongitudinal strut or a transverse strut, and therefore no longer engagein the pivoted state of the longitudinal strut or transverse strut. Inthis state, pivoted with respect to the axial orientation of thetransverse strut or the longitudinal strut, the inventive turnbuckledevice can be removed from the transverse strut or from the longitudinalstrut. If the turnbuckle device is disposed on the longitudinal strut orthe transverse strut and the archings of the turnbuckle device engagebehind the transverse strut or the longitudinal strut, the archings aredisposed such that they are guided with play in the recesses of thelongitudinal strut or the transverse strut. This facilitatesdisplacement of the turnbuckle device along a longitudinal strut or atransverse strut.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the archings can be formedopposite to each other, and the end regions of the longitudinal strutsor transverse struts each comprise recesses with limited length in theedge region in the surface of the longitudinal struts and/or transversestruts, and the size (length, width, height) of the recesses are matchedto the position of the archings such that the turnbuckle device is heldwithin a concrete shell element when the second claw is in the pivotedinner position state. If the archings are directly opposite to eachother, the turnbuckle device must be mounted into a recess, e.g. agroove, of a longitudinal strut or a transverse strut by opening theturnbuckle device that wide that the pivotable claws do not obstructmounting of the turnbuckle device. The size and shape of the stationaryand pivotable claws permit matching of the size of the recesses to theturnbuckle device such that in the pivoted inner position state of theturnbuckle device, the turnbuckle device cannot inadvertently slidethrough the recesses out of the transverse strut or longitudinal strutand drop off from the concrete shell element.

In a further embodiment of the inventive turnbuckle device, theretaining means is formed by a shackle which projects from a rod-shapedbody which holds the first lock part and movably guides it on theconcrete shell element. The turnbuckle device is detachably held on theconcrete shell element via a mounting means, e.g. a bolt, in that thebolt is put through a first opening in the shackle and at the same timethrough a second opening in the longitudinal strut or in the transversestrut. The turnbuckle device can be displaced along the rod-shaped bodyin the unlocked state, and a pivoting motion of part of the inventiveturnbuckle device with respect to the stationary part of the turnbuckledevice is not impaired by the rod-shaped body. The bolt can also beformed on the shackle in accordance with the invention. The bolt canengage in openings on the concrete shell element and may be secured, ifrequired.

The inventive turnbuckle device can be pivoted via engagement of thebolt on the concrete shell element, if required, wherein the bolt formsthe axis of rotation. In such an embodiment, the pivoting range of themovable claw can be reduced and the advantages with regard to handlingand safety of the inventive turnbuckle device can still be achievedwithout any limitations.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the retaining means is formedby a pivoting and/or tilting lever which is provided on the stationaryclaws or in the region of the stationary claws, wherein the pivotingand/or tilting lever engages behind surfaces of the longitudinal ortransverse struts, when connected to a longitudinal or transverse strut.

This is advantageous in that such retaining means can be mounted to anyrecesses of a longitudinal or transverse strut. The pivoting and/ortilting levers can be disposed on a claw itself or directly behind astationary claw. The pivoting and/or tilting levers can be fixed inposition either through spring elements or latches to provide secureretention of an inventive turnbuckle device on a concrete shell element.In order to suspend the connection to a longitudinal or transversestrut, latching of the pivoting and/or tilting levers must be releasedor a spring-loaded pivoting or tilting lever must be released from thespring load. Such a retaining means provides a simple and quick tohandle connecting system for a turnbuckle device to be detachablymounted to a concrete shell element.

In a particularly advantageous manner, the arresting means is a wedgewhich blocks the pivotable claw in the pivoted inner position state orclamps the turnbuckle device for mutually clamping two concrete shellelements when the wedge is displaced in the direction of the actingforce of gravity on horizontally oriented struts. If the wedge isdisplaced against the force of gravity, the second claw can be pivotedinto an open position and a displacing position. In the open position,the pivotable claw can be pushed towards the stationary claw until bothclaws, the stationary and the pivotable claw, can abut within oneconcrete shell element. The claws can be mutually fixed via thearresting means, e.g. a wedge, thereby preventing that the turnbuckledevice twists with respect to the transverse strut or longitudinal strutor is displaced into a position in which the turnbuckle device couldproject over the edge of a concrete shell element.

If the inventive turnbuckle device is mounted to vertically orientedstruts, the arresting means, e.g. a wedge, must be displaced such thatit exerts the same function as in the above description.

Further advantages can be extracted from the description and theenclosed drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features mentioned above and below can be used in accordance withthe invention either individually or collectively in any arbitrarycombination. The embodiments mentioned are not to be understood asexhaustive enumeration but rather have exemplary character. Theinvention is shown in the drawing.

FIG. 1 shows an inventive turnbuckle device in the open position withoutconcrete shell element;

FIG. 2 shows an inventive turnbuckle device clamped on two concreteshell elements, in which claw profilings engage the frame of theconcrete shell elements and are tensioned via a tensioning means, e.g. awedge;

FIG. 3 shows an inventive turnbuckle device in the open state, in whicha stationary claw engages behind a frame and a pivotable claw is in anopen position which is located outside of a frame, a transverse strutand a longitudinal strut;

FIG. 4 shows an inventive turnbuckle device in the pivoted innerposition state as fixed within a concrete shell element withoutprojecting over the outer edge of the concrete shell element;

FIG. 5 shows an arrangement of archings at stationary claws of aninventive turnbuckle device;

FIG. 6 shows an inventive turnbuckle device pivoted to a transversestrut, wherein the archings no longer engage behind the transversestrut;

FIG. 7 shows a further embodiment of archings on stationary claws;

FIG. 8 shows embodiments of longitudinal struts and transverse strutsfor a further embodiment of an inventive turnbuckle device;

FIG. 9 shows a further possibility (holding means) for holding aninventive turnbuckle device on a transverse strut;

FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of a pivotable claw formed on an inventiveturnbuckle device;

FIG. 11 shows an embodiment of stationary claws of an inventiveturnbuckle device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a turnbuckle device 10 composed of a first lock part 11 anda second lock part 12. The first lock part 11 is formed essentially of asquare profiled pipe 13, with stationary fist claws 14, 15 mountedlaterally at one end of the square profiled pipe 13. Archings 18 areformed on inner surfaces 16, 17 of the first claws 14, 15, which projectover the inner surfaces 16, 17. FIG. 1 shows only one arching 18, theother arching 18 on the inner surface 17 of the stationary first claw 15is covered by the square profiled pipe 13. The archings 18 are spacedapart from the lower side of the square profiled pipe 13.

The sides of the square profiled pipe 13 have guiding strips 19, 20which are formed over the entire length of the square profiled pipe 13behind which engage projections 21 of the second lock part 12 such thatin the position of the second lock part 12 shown, the second lock part12 can be displaced and pivoted like a slide with regard to the firstlock part 11 along the square profiled pipe 13. The upper side of thesquare profiled pipe 13 is provided with a row of teeth 22 whichcooperates with at least one tooth of a retaining means when pivotingthe second lock part 12 in the direction of the arrow 23, with theretaining means projecting from the inner side of the second lock part12. The at least one tooth projects in the direction of the row of teeth22.

The second lock part 12 comprises pivotable second claws 24, 25 whichare spaced apart from each other and laterally engage over the squareprofiled pipe 13 in the pivoted inner position state. The pivotablesecond claws 24, 25 terminate in a leg region 26 which connects the twosecond claws 24, 25 and also provides an opening 27 for a wedge 28 witha toothing on one side which can cooperate with the row of teeth 22.FIG. 1 shows this wedge 28 in a first end position. In this first endposition, the second lock, part 12 can be pivoted in the directions ofthe arrow 29. In the open state of the turnbuckle device 10, shown inFIG. 1, the second lock part 12 can be displaced also along the squareprofiled pipe 13, if required.

If the second lock part 12 is pivoted in the direction of the arrow 23towards the row of teeth 22 until a tooth of the retaining means of thesecond lock part 12 engages in the row of teeth 22, the wedge 28 can bedisplaced in the direction of the arrow 30 towards a second end positionand the pivoting motion of the second lock part 12 with respect to thefirst lock part 11 is blocked.

FIG. 2 shows the turnbuckle device 10 of FIG. 1 mounted on frames 31, 32with concrete shell elements 35, 36 comprising longitudinal struts 33and transverse struts 34. The turnbuckle device 10 mutually clamps theconcrete shell elements 35, 36 overlapping a joint 37. The concreteshell elements 35, 36 are usually formed of the frames 31, 32 holding ashell cover 38 on the one side and comprising the longitudinal struts 33and transverse struts 34 on the other side for stiffening the concreteshell elements 35, 36.

The stationary first claws 14, 15 and pivotable second claws 24, 25 ofthe turnbuckle device 10 engage in profilings of the frame 31, 32. Thestationary claw 14 shown in FIG. 1 is covered by the turnbuckle device10 in FIG. 2. The wedge 28 is displaced in the direction of the arrow 30of the acting force of gravity and further driving of the wedge 28 intothe opening 27 of the second lock part 12 produces approximation betweenthe stationary first claws 14, 15 of the first lock part 11 and thepivotable second claws 24, 25, thereby increasing the clamping actionbetween the concrete shell elements 35, 36.

When the concrete shell elements 35, 36 are clamped, the turnbuckledevice 10 overlaps the edges 39 of the respective frames 31, 32.

FIG. 3 shows the turnbuckle device 10 in an open state, i.e. the secondlock part 12 is pivoted and moved with respect to the first lock part 11such that the pivotable second claws 24, 25 no longer engage in aprofiling of the frame 31 of the concrete shell element 35. The freeclaw ends of the pivotable second claws 24, 25 are pivoted such thatthey terminate at a separation above the edge 39, i.e. the second lockpart 12 can be displaced in the direction of the arrow 40 along thesquare profiled pipe 13 until it is no longer in the region of theconcrete shell element 35.

To pivot the second lock part 12 as shown in the figure, the wedge 28must be displaced into a final position (first end position) in thedirection of the arrow 41.

The first lock part 11 can be displaced along the transverse strut 34until the claw 15 abuts the longitudinal strut 33. The free spaces inthe frames 31, 32 are matched such that the turnbuckle device 10 can bedisplaced along the transverse strut 34 until the free ends of thepivotable second claws 24, 25 no longer project over the edge 39. Thesecond lock part 12 can be positionally fixed with regard to the firstlock part 11 by displacing the wedge 28 against the direction of thearrow 41.

The transverse strut 34 is engaged behind with play via the archings 18of the stationary first claws 14, 15 such that the turnbuckle device 10is safely held on the frame 31 via the archings 18. The archings 18thereby engage in recesses 42 of the transverse struts 34. The recesses42 can be formed by grooves which are formed on both sides along thetransverse strut 34.

The turnbuckle devices shown in the figures can also be disposed onlongitudinal struts. Then, the function of the turnbuckle device doesnot differ from the turnbuckle device on a transverse strut.

FIG. 4 shows an arrangement of the turnbuckle device 10 disposedcompletely within the frame 32 of the concrete shell element 36 (closingor retaining position). The first lock part 11 and the second lock part12 are moved towards one another such that they abut within a free spacebetween the longitudinal strut 33 and the frame 32. The pivotable secondclaws 24, 25 are completely pivoted into the inner position with regardto the first lock part 11, and the wedge 28 is displaced into a finalposition in which it blocks pivoting of the second claws 24, 25. In theposition of the turnbuckle device 10 shown in FIG. 4, the concrete shellelement 35 can be removed from the concrete shell element 36. Theturnbuckle device 10 is moved into the concrete shell element 36 thatfar that it abuts next to the joint 37 formed by the edges 39 of the twoconcrete shell elements 35, 36.

In the position of the turnbuckle device 10 shown in FIG. 4, theconcrete shell elements 35, 36 can be arbitrarily displaced. If theconcrete shell elements 35, 36 (all the figures show only partialsections thereof) are to be connected to each other again, the concreteshell elements 35, 36 must be displaced towards each other until theyabut each other, and the turnbuckle device 10 must be unlocked in thatthe wedge 28 is displaced from the end position shown in FIG. 4 to thetop that far that the pivotable second claws 24, 25 can be pivoted untilthey can overlap the frame 32 and 31. The pivotable second claws 24, 25are pivoted again into a profiling of the frame 31, and the splinetoothing is activated via the wedge 28 in that the wedge 28 is drivenfrom an upper end position (first end position) in the direction of theposition shown in FIG. 4. The further the wedge 28 is driven into thesecond lock part 12, the stronger the concrete shell elements 35, 36 arepulled towards each other.

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of the arrangement of archings 18 as formedon the turnbuckle device 10, namely the lock part 11. The archings 18 onthe inner surfaces 16, 17 are mutually displaced such that a separationx is larger than the width of the longitudinal strut or the transversestrut.

FIG. 6 shows the turnbuckle device 10 as it can be removed from theconcrete shell element 36. The turnbuckle device 10 must be unlockedcompared to FIG. 4, i.e. the wedge 28 must be displaced into an upperend position (first end position) to permit pivoting of the lock part 12away from the overlap by laterally overlapping the transverse strut 34.The lock part 11 which is held over the archings 18 in the recesses 42of the transverse strut 34 must be pivoted at an inclination to thetransverse strut 34 until the separation x, the direct connection linebetween the offset, opposite archings 18, liberate a separation x whichis larger than the width y of the transverse strut 34 or of thelongitudinal strut 33. If the turnbuckle device is oriented parallel tothe transverse strut 34 or to the longitudinal strut 33, the archings 18engage behind the transverse strut 34 or the longitudinal strut 33producing a width which is smaller than the width of the transversestrut 34 or the longitudinal strut 33. If the turnbuckle device 10 hasan inclination as shown in FIG. 6, the entire turnbuckle device 10, i.e.the first lock part 11 and the second lock part 12 can be removedtogether from the transverse strut 34.

FIG. 7 shows a further embodiment of the stationary first claws 43, 44with opposite archings 45. The archings 45 shown in FIG. 7 project overthe inner surfaces 46, 47. The stationary first claws 43, 44 formed inthis fashion, can be mounted on the first lock part. When stationaryfirst claws 43, 44 are used, transverse struts and longitudinal strutsare to be selected as shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 8 shows a further development of transverse struts and longitudinalstruts as they are formed on the concrete shell elements 48, 49. Theconcrete shell elements 48, 49 comprise transverse struts 50 andlongitudinal struts 51 whose surfaces are provided with recesses 52. Aturnbuckle device 10 comprising archings 45 as shown in FIG. 7 can bemounted into the respective transverse strut 50 or longitudinal strut 51via a pair of opposite recesses 52, when the turnbuckle device 10 isopen, i.e. the pivotable claws are pivoted into an open position thatfar that the stationary claws can be moved into a recess 53, e.g. agroove, via the recesses 52. If a turnbuckle device is displaced along atransverse strut 50 or a longitudinal strut 51 such that the pivotableclaws can be pivoted into an inner position and are pivoted into theinner position and fixed by the wedge, the claw widths and the sizes ofthe recesses 52 are matched such that the turnbuckle device cannot falloff or be withdrawn self-actingly from a transverse strut 50 or alongitudinal strut 51. The turnbuckle device having archings 45 of FIG.7 can be removed from the transverse strut 50 or the longitudinal strut51 only when the turnbuckle device is opened, i.e. the pivotable clawsare to be pivoted into an open position by moving the wedge in an upperend position (first end position).

FIG. 9 shows a turnbuckle device 60 disposed on concrete shell elements61, 62. The turnbuckle device 60 consists of a first lock part 63 and asecond lock part 64. The first lock part 63 is displaceably guided on arod-shaped body 65 which has a shackle 66 in its end region. The shackle66 has an opening 67 in its free end region into which a bolt 68 can beinserted which cannot rotate in its final position. The bolt 68 canengage through a further opening in the transverse strut 69 such thatthe first lock part 63 is held on the concrete shell element 62 via therod-shaped body 65. When the second lock part 64 is pivoted as shown inFIG. 9, it can be moved in the region of the concrete shell element 62.The first lock part 63 can also be moved in the direction of the shackle66 until the second lock part 64 can be pivoted into the inner positionand be blocked by a wedge 70. If fixation is chosen to be provided bythe bolt 68, archings on the stationary claws are not necessary. If theturnbuckle device 60 is to be removed from the transverse strut 69, thebolt 68 must be completely withdrawn from the opening 67. When the bolt68 has been removed, the turnbuckle device 60 can be removed from thetransverse strut 69. The function of the first and second lock parts 63and 64 are not described in more detail in connection with FIG. 9 sincethey are formed like the above-described lock parts.

FIG. 10 shows a second lock part 71 which can be used as second lockpart in a turnbuckle device 10 or in a turnbuckle device 60. Mutuallyspaced apart pivotable claws 72, 73 terminate in a common leg region 74which connects the two claws 72, 73. The leg region 74 is provided withan opening 75 for a wedge (not shown in the figure). Projections 78project over inner surfaces 76, 77 which can engage behind guidingstrips on a first lock part such that the second lock part 71 can bemoved and pivoted along a first lock part. The projections 78 actequally as the described projections 21.

FIG. 11 shows an embodiment of the stationary claws 83, 84 which can beformed on an inventive turnbuckle device. The stationary claws 83, 84are provided with one pivoting and/or tilting lever 88 each, whichserves as a holding means and which is formed of a spring element 89 anda snap head or latch 90. The pivoting and/or tilting lever 88 is mountedto the outer sides of the stationary claws 83, 84 such that the snaphead or the latch 90 can engage through an opening 91 of the stationaryclaws 83, 84. The stationary claws 83, 84 are provided with a guidingshackle 92 which serves as guiding surface for the snap head or latch 90and prevents tilting of the snap head or latch 90 under load.

If an inventive turnbuckle device has stationary claws 83, 84 as shownin FIG. 11, it can be slid onto longitudinal or transverse struts of aconcrete shell element in that the turnbuckle device is pressed onto thelongitudinal or transverse strut via the snap head or latch 90 via aninclined surface 93 which is formed on the snap head or latch 90. Whenthe inventive turnbuckle device is slid onto a longitudinal ortransverse strut, the turnbuckle device has reached its final retainingposition when the pivoting and/or tilting levers 88 engage behindrecesses of the longitudinal or transverse strut. When the turnbuckledevice is slid onto a longitudinal or transverse strut, the pivotingand/or tilting levers 88 move in the directions of arrow 94 by initiallyopening and subsequently tilting or pivoting back into their initialposition in which they engage behind a surface of a longitudinal ortransverse strut. If the inventive turnbuckle device is to be removedagain from a longitudinal or transverse strut, at least one pivotingand/or tilting lever 88 must be withdrawn that far that it no longerengages behind the longitudinal or transverse strut. If at least onepivoting and/or tilting lever 88 no longer engages with the longitudinalor transverse strut, the turnbuckle device can be removed from aconcrete shell element. When locked with a longitudinal or transversestrut, a surface 95 of the snap head or the latch 90 abuts a surface ofthe longitudinal or transverse strut which forms the arching or theundercut on the longitudinal or transverse strut. The spring element 89of the pivoting and/or tilting lever 88 is formed as leaf spring in theembodiment of FIG. 11 such that the snap head or the latch 90 can bemoved in the directions of arrow 94. FIG. 11 shows the initial positionof the pivoting and/or tilting levers 88 into which the pivoting and/ortilting levers 88 self-actingly pivot.

What is claimed is:
 1. A turnbuckle device for mutually clamping twoconcrete shell elements across a joint therebetween, the concrete shellelements each including a frame with longitudinal and transverse struts,said turnbuckle device comprising: means for retaining said turnbuckledevice on one of the longitudinal and transverse struts duringseparation of the shell elements, the retaining means comprisingarchings; means for positioning said turnbuckle device across abuttingedges of the concrete shell elements; a first lock part including astationary first claw for engaging one of the frames, the first clawbeing configured for direct engagement with the respective frame, saidarchings protruding from inner surfaces of the stationary claw; a secondlock part pivotally disposed with respect to said first lock part andincluding a second claw configured for direct engagement with another ofthe frames; arresting means for limiting a pivoting range of said secondlock part in order that the second claw prevents release of theturnbuckle device from the concrete shell elements and optimally limitsmovability of the turnbuckle device.
 2. The turnbuckle device accordingto claim 1 wherein said arresting means are further operable forenabling the turnbuckle device to be removed from the concrete shellelement.
 3. The turnbuckle device according to claim 1 wherein thearchings are offset from each other with a distance between the archingsbeing larger than a width of the longitudinal or the transverse strut.4. The turnbuckle device according to claim 1 wherein the archings areformed oppositely on an inner surface of the stationary claws.
 5. Aturnbuckle device for mutually clamping two concrete shell elementsacross a joint therebetween, the concrete shell elements each includinga frame with longitudinal and transverse struts, said turnbuckle devicecomprising: means for retaining said turnbuckle device on one of thelongitudinal and transverse struts during separation of the shellelements, the retaining means comprising a shackle which projects from arod-shaped body which holds and displaceably guides the first lock part,and the device further comprises a bolt mounting means for insertioninto a first opening in the shackle; means for positioning saidturnbuckle device across abutting edges of the concrete shell elements;a first lock part including a stationary first claw for engaging one ofthe frames, the first claw being configured for direct engagement withthe respective frame; a second lock part pivotally disposed with respectto said first lock part and including a second claw configured fordirect engagement with another of the frames; arresting means forlimiting a pivoting range of said second lock part in order that thesecond claw prevents release of the turnbuckle device from the concreteshell elements and optimally limits movability of the turnbuckle device.6. A turnbuckle device for mutually clamping two concrete shell elementsacross a joint therebetween, the concrete shell elements each includinga frame with longitudinal and transverse struts, said turnbuckle devicecomprising: means for retaining said turnbuckle device on one of thelongitudinal and transverse struts during separation of the shellelements, the retaining means comprising a pivoting or tilting leverwhich is disposed on the stationary claw or in the region of thestationary claw; means for positioning said turnbuckle device acrossabutting edges of the concrete shell elements; a first lock partincluding a stationary first claw for engaging one of the frames, withthe first claw being configured for direct engagement with therespective frame; a second lock part pivotally disposed with respect tosaid first lock part and including a second claw configured for directengagement with another of the frames; arresting means for limiting apivoting range of said second lock part in order that the second clawprevents release of the turnbuckle device from the concrete shellelements and optimally limits movability of the turnbuckle device. 7.The turnbuckle device according to claim 6 wherein the arresting meanscomprises a wedge which, when displaced in the direction of force ofgravity, blocks the pivotable second claw in a pivoted inner positionstate and clamps the turnbuckle device for mutual clamping of twoconcrete shell elements, and when displaced against the force ofgravity, releases the pivotable second claw for pivoting anddisplacement with respect to the first stationary claw.